Volunteering

The mission of the Dearborn Library Foundation is to benefit, promote and enhance the Library system. There are a host of ways in which people who are committed to the Library can help the Foundation meet its mission.

The Foundation is made up of committed community members who value our Library and want to ensure funding for the future. From time to time there are vacancies on the Library Foundation Board of Directors.

Not sure you are able to commit to a Board position? The Foundation is always looking for willing hands to assist in planning various fundraising activities throughout the year.

If you are interested in applying for either a Board position or a volunteer position, read about available opportunities below and contact us.

Submit Your Candidacy for the Board of Directors

Description: To advance the mission of the Foundation, the Board of Directors, as a group, is responsible for identifying goals and approving and monitoring performance of revenue generating strategies. As individuals, each board member must work to help implement those strategies. Board members work closely with the Foundation President, the Library Director and fellow board members to generate support for the Library.

Qualifications: Willingness to engage in aspects of fundraising. Ability to listen, analyze, think creatively and work well individually and in a group. Possess or develop skills such as: cultivate supporters and solicit funds, cultivate and recruit board members and other volunteers, read and understand financial statements, learn more about the substantive program areas of the Library. Prior fundraising experience or board service is a plus, but not required.

Commitment: Board meetings are once a month for approximately 75 minutes.
                     Committee work depends on the area of responsibility but usually ranges from
                     zero to two hours a month, often by commenting via e-mail.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Foundation Journalist and Webmaster

Description: The Foundation will be developing a quarterly newsletter to be transmitted via our website with limited printed copies published. The volunteer position will work with the Foundation Board and the Library Director to develop the newsletter and prepare it for incorporation in the website.
This position will also include working with the board to keep the Foundations website up to date.

Qualifications: Volunteer candidates must be outgoing and knowledgeable about the fundamentals of journalism and have experience in website formatting.

Commitment: Significant hours will be required to develop the newsletter but 8 to 12 hours of work are estimated quarterly on an ongoing basis.

Event Planner

Description: The Foundation intends to host and promote one or more fund raising events during the year. This volunteer position will work with the Foundation Board of Directors and the library staff in planning, promoting and hosting the events.

Qualifications: Ability to be creative and work well with others.

Commitment: Work will depend on the type of event being hosted.